Cheesesteak franchise on an aggressive growth curve beefs up its management team by hiring first-ever COO.

Charley's Grilled Subs, an international Philly cheesesteak sandwich franchise, has named Bob Wright the company's first-ever chief operating officer. Wright previously served as a vice president of Checker's Drive-In Restaurants and Wendy's International.

In his new role with Charley's, Wright will oversee franchise and company operations, in addition to purchasing, training and store openings.

Charley's appears to be on an aggressive growth curve, with plans to open 46 new locations this year, according to a company release. In 2010, the restaurant chain, which is 90 percent franchise operated, opened 38 locations.